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Who Do We Have The Best Shot At?

Trade deadline 2006: On the block?
MLB.com

MLB Headlines

Here are some players who might be on the move:

SS Julio Lugo
Contract status:Signed through 2006
July 20: Lugo told the St. Petersburg Times he is aware that the Devil Rays and Blue Jays have been discussing a deal involving him. With Lugo having said he wants to test free agency this offseason and the Rays not wanting to lose him and get nothing in return, a deal is very possible. Lugo is making $4.95 million this season and is thought to be looking for $8 million a season in a four- or five-year deal, a price clearly too steep for Tampa Bay. Even though Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi told the Toronto Star, "We can't afford him," it is believed the Blue Jays have eyed Lugo for several years.

LHP Mark Redman
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 20: Interest in Redman should increase given his recent success, The Kansas City Star noted. Redman had won his last six decisions before throwing a complete game in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Boston. "All of these teams are looking for pitching," an opposing scout was quoted as saying. "They're going to get down to the last few days, look around, and figure he's a good option."

RHP Kyle Lohse
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 20: Scouts from teams such as the Dodgers, Brewers, Cardinals and Yankees continue to frequent the Metrodome, no doubt studying Lohse, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune noted. Lohse's name also appeared in the Providence Journal as someone who might interest the Red Sox. Still seen to have plenty of potential and coveted for his ability to eat up innings, Lohse could provide a team with a No. 4 or No. 5 starter.

OF Kevin Mench
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 20: Mench could be a possibility for the Twins, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. But the Rangers likely would seek a top pitching prospect in return, and the Twins are stingy about such prospects. Other teams, such as the Dodgers and Royals, have liked Mench's power potential but he has proven to be an extremely streaky hitter. He has two years to go before he can be a free agent but he's also making $2.8 million and is no longer the inexpensive young outfielder that other teams desire.

1B Shea Hillenbrand
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 20: Hillenbrand was designated for assignment following a dispute with the Blue Jays, who now have until July 29 to deal him. The Los Angeles Daily News had reported early that the Angels and Blue Jays had discussed a deal in which the Jays would trade Hillenbrand for a package of either Howie Kendrick or Adam Kennedy and either Joe Saunders or Dustin Moseley, but with Toronto having forced itself to trade Hillenbrand, the price for him has dropped by a considerable margin.

RHP Miguel Batista
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 20: The East Valley Tribune reported on Thursday that the Mets are interested in Batista and Juan Cruz. The D-Backs may find Batista too expensive for their liking in 2007 so if they could get a prospect for the right-hander they may be tempted to part with him.

RHP Greg Maddux
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 19: The Daily Southtown reports that Maddux is the subject of several trade rumors, the latest involving a return to Atlanta, where he pitched from 1993-2003. Maddux and former Braves star Tom Glavine are still good friends, and when asked whether Glavine (now a member of the New York Mets) tried talking him into becoming a Met, Maddux just smiled, paused, and said, "Huh?"

RHP Rodrigo Lopez
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 19: The Orioles are continuing to have talks involving Lopez with as many as nine other clubs, including the Mets, Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Padres, Rangers and Yankees, the Baltimore Sun reported. However, the East Valley Tribune reported on Wednesday that there is nothing to the rumor that Arizona is looking to acquire Lopez.

OF Jeromy Burnitz
Contract status: Signed through 2006 (option for 2007)
July 19: The Yankees are involved in "very serious" discussions with the Pirates about acquiring reliever Roberto Hernandez, the Newark Star-Ledger reported, but the holdup could be the Pirates' insistance that the Yankees absorb the contract of Burnitz, who is still owed roughly $2.5 million this year. Plus, there is a $500,000 payment if he is traded and it would take $700,000 to buy out the final year of his contract next season.

OF Bobby Abreu
Contract status: Signed through 2007
July 19: The Orioles have discussed sending starter Rodrigo Lopez to the Phillies for either Abreu or Pat Burrell, the Baltimore Sun reported. According to several industry sources, the Sun said the Phillies would be willing to accept Lopez and perhaps another player, likely a mid-level prospect, if the Orioles were to pay a significant portion of one of the outstanding contracts. But because of obstacles, one high-ranking Orioles official called any pending move for the Phillies sluggers "unlikely."

OF Reggie Sanders
Contract status: Signed through 2007
July 19: The Yankees are believed to still have interest in Sanders despite a minor groin injury and low production (.244 average and no home runs since June 18). Sanders would bring consistent production and solid veteran leadership to any clubhouse.

OF Alfonso Soriano
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 18: According to the Detroit Free Press, any Tigers trade with the Nationals will likely have to include both Humberto Sanchez and Jair Jurrjens, two of the top three or four pitching prospects in the Detroit organization, plus another player or prospect. The Detroit News said GM Dave Dombrowski has said he won't trade the Tigers' best prospects, but the organization's pitching is so deep, he could trade one of them. ESPN.com reported that the Mariners are interested in trading for Soriano, and that the Nationals are believed to be targeting Adam Jones, a 20-year-old center fielder in the Seattle organization.

OF Torii Hunter
Contract status: Signed through 2006 with a club option for 2007
July 17: Hunter is pretty much off the market after sustaining a fractured left foot on Sunday. Still, the face of the Twins franchise has a $12 million club option for next season which appears to be a bit out of the Twins' payscale. A long-term deal could solidify Hunter's status as a Twin.

OF Jay Payton
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 17: The San Jose Mercury News reports Payton wants to stay where he is, rather than be traded. It appears that the A's do have quality players to deal in Payton, Bobby Kielty and Dan Johnson. Johnson (first baseman) was sent down to the Minors to make for Milton Bradley coming off the DL. Payton started the season as a fourth outfielder and he and Kielty are leading the team in hitting with runners in scoring position. They are are also 1-2 in batting average for the A's. Kielty started the year in Triple-A.

RHP Livan Hernandez
Contract status: Signed through 2007
July 14: Newsday reported that the Mets have been looking at different teams for pitching help, and that Hernandez is on the top of their list. Some in the Nationals organization would love to keep him, but others want to trade him for prospects.

RHP Shawn Chacon
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 14: With the acquisition of Sidney Ponson, the Yankees may be able to deal Chacon in a package for a modest outfielder such as Philadelphia's David Dellucci, Pittsburgh's Jeremy Burnitz, Kansas City's Emil Brown or Cleveland's Todd Hollandsworth, The New York Times noted. The Mariners aren't biting on a Chacon-for-Joel Pineiro deal, Newsday reported.

RHP LaTroy Hawkins
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 14: Negotiations between the Orioles and Rockies over a deal involving Hawkins have slowed, according to The Baltimore Sun. The Orioles have asked for power-hitting first baseman Ryan Shealy, but the Rockies would prefer to trade outfielder-third baseman Jeff Baker. The Orioles have only minimal interest in Baker.

OF Jose Guillen
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 14: The Yankees have interest in Guillen, according to ESPN.com. The Nationals seem to think they can get something for him as long as he starts producing. But he hasn't had a good year with the bat all season. The Nationals were winning when Guillen was on the disabled list, and people in the organization took notice of it. The losing has come back once he returned.

UTIL Craig Wilson
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 13: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Yankees and Angels are both very interested in Wilson, "whom the Pirates surely will deal over the next few weeks." The only thing currently holding back a trade is the Pirates' high asking price: a pitching prospect and a big-league-ready position player. Wilson has been relegated to platoon duty and he does not appear to fit into Pittsburgh's long-term plans.

LHP Dontrelle Willis
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 13: Already the subject of trade speculation since last year's Winter Meetings, Willis would command a high return price. While he is making $4.35 million this season, the D-Train is under club control through the 2009 season, when at that time he would have the service time to become a free agent. Marlins management has said Willis is not available, although teams have certainly inquired. It's highly unlikely he will be traded, especially with the team working with local officials regarding a new stadium. "At this point he's untouchable," a NL source told the South Florida Sun-Sentinal on Tuesday. "He's not available, and I really don't foresee that changing."

RHP Joel Pineiro
Contract status: Signed through 2006
July 13: Pineiro has been inconsistent all season, which might scare some teams away. Another problem in trading Pineiro is that unless you get a pitcher back, you still have to find a way to replace him. When he's on, Pineiro throws a lot of strikes and gets good mileage out of his breaking ball. The Mariners aren't interested in dealing him to the Yankees for Shawn Chacon, according to a published report.

3B Miguel Cabrera
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Making $472,000, a strong case can be made that the slugger is the best bargain in baseball. Just 23, it is extremely unlikely that the Marlins will even entertain serious offers for Cabrera, one of the top talents in the game. Becomes arbitration eligible after this season, and his salary expects to skyrocket to the $6 million or more range in 2007. Isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2009 season.

RHP Roger Clemens
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Nah ... he's not going to be traded. But that won't stop media outlets in New York and Boston from speculating that the Astros and Clemens have made a deal within the deal: If the Astros aren't in contention by the trade deadline, they'll work out a deal to send Clemens to one of the AL East powerhouses. Not going to happen. This is likely Rocket's last hurrah, and he'll do it in Houston -- win or lose.

OF Carlos Lee
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The Brewers say they will keep Lee as long as they hang in contention, but a great offer from a team looking for a right-handed power bat could pry him away. Lee has clubbed at least 24 home runs in seven straight seasons, including 2006.

RHP John Smoltz
Contract status:$8 million club option for 2007 season
Unless they are floored with an offer, the Braves likely won't move the veteran. But there are a number of teams who may be willing to offer something intriguing to ensure he's in their postseason starting rotation.

RHP Joe Borowski
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The veteran reliever is earning the minimum $327,000, but with incentives can pocket as much as 1.05 million. Is a prime candidate to be moved if the team wants to go with a "closer of the future." But should the Marlins get into the Wild Card race, may end up being the closer down the stretch. Has pitched effectively, and if moved, could be a factor in a contender's bullpen.

OF Scott Podsednik
Contract status: Signed through 2006, two years, $2.75 million ($1.9 million in 2006)
It's unlikely Podsednik will be moved anywhere, not with his importance as the offensive igniter at the top of the batting order. But with Podsednik's 2006 season being a bit inconsistent, Pablo Ozuna playing great baseball and the team looking for a spot for Minor-League phenom Josh Fields, Podsednik could be moved if the return is worthwhile.

RHP Jon Garland
Contract status: Signed through 2008, three-year, $29 million
The sinkerball specialist has been near the top of Major League pitchers in home runs allowed during the 2006 campaign and would figure to be the starter moved to eventually make room for Brandon McCarthy in the rotation. But Kenny Williams has no intention of trading pitching without getting pitching in return, and Garland has a no-trade clause through Nov. 1, 2006.

LHP Barry Zito
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Zito is having an ace-like season in the final year of his contract, and while GM Billy Beane seems resigned to losing him as a free agent, he suggests it will take a monster return package for him to part with Zito during the season.

C Javy Lopez
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Lopez still wants to catch, but he'll need a trade to find a place to do it. Baltimore is committed to Ramon Hernandez as its primary catcher through the 2009 season, and Lopez will be 36 by the end of this season. The two-time All-Star can still hit and can still help a team as a backup catcher or designated hitter.

RHP Armando Benitez
Contract status: Signed through 2007
Benitez isn't enjoying his Giants stint, struggles to maintain consistency as a closer and has a penchant for creating dicey situations. He hasn't been the answer to the club's closer problems, but he's potent enough to entice offers.

OF Aaron Rowand
Contract status: Signed through 2006
While he has been in Philadelphia for half a season, he has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to a tough attitude. His catch running into the outfield wall on May 11 gave him a spot in local sporting lore, not to mention a few broken bones in his face. Rowand signed a two-year deal with the White Sox in 2005, which has carried over. He's paid $3.25 million, and there are mutual options for 2007. If the Phillies decide on retooling, Rowand is one of their most tradable players.

RHP Cliff Politte
Contract status: Signed through 2006, $1.2 million
Politte turned in a career-best effort during the 2005 season, with seven victories and a 2.00 ERA. But the right-hander has struggled with a dip in his velocity and poor location in 2006, a rough combination, and could be expendable if he can't straighten things out after his recent trip to the disabled list.

OF Geoff Jenkins
Contract status: Signed through 2007, club option for 2008
Jenkins' $7.5 million contract this season, and $7 million in 2007, could be a turnoff for teams looking for a left-handed bat. But the Brewers are deep in corner outfield depth and would certainly consider all offers.

RHP Scott Williamson
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The right-hander would be a good pickup for a team seeking experienced help in the pen. He had a minor bout with tendinitis in his right elbow but is back from that and it may have helped. He's now aware that he may have been trying to overthrow too much.

RHP Cory Lidle
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The 34-year-old right-hander is Philadelphia's only starting pitcher to take every turn in a tattered rotation. As of June 29, Lidle is 4-6 with a 5.11 ERA, which makes him 22-19 in roughly two years for Philadelphia -- his sixth Major League team. Lidle is on his second year of the Phillies' two-year extension, which pays him $3.3 million in 2006.

3B Joe Randa
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The veteran Randa lost the starting third base job and is now relegated to bench duty. He could be a two-month rental for a contender that needs help at third base. Randa was part of a midseason trade last season from Cincinnati to San Diego.

LHP Rheal Cormier
Contract status: Signed through 2006, with an option for 2007
In what has been a disappointing season, Cormier has been one of the best relievers. The left-hander, not just a specialist, has become somewhat of a regular in the seventh inning, thanks to his 1.35 ERA in 34 appearances -- a major improvement from his 5.89 mark in 2005. If he were traded, Cormier would be leaving his 0.57 ERA at Citizens Bank Park behind. The 39-year-old is making $2.5 million in the second year of a two-year extension with a club option for 2007.

C Javier Valentin
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Like LaRue, Valentin has struggled to hit and lost playing time to Ross. If the Reds don't move LaRue, Valentin could be had. He's a switch-hitter but has lousy numbers batting right-handed. Last season, he set career highs with a .281 average 14 homers and 50 RBIs.

IF Todd Walker
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The Cubs tried to deal Walker this offseason because they had an overload of second basemen but couldn't find any takers. He's filled in at first this year for Derrek Lee. Teams looking for a left-handed hitter might be interested.

1B Sean Casey
Contract status: Signed through 2006
If the Pirates can not sign the native Pittsburgher Casey a to a contract extension soon they could deal this lifetime .300 hitter to a contender looking to fill a hole at first base.

3B Jeff Cirillo
Contract status: Signed for 2006
Cirillo has revived his career since returning to Milwaukee, and is the kind of versatile defender and quality pinch-hitter a contender could covet. But most teams who have called regarding Cirillo have offered lower-level prospects, and the Brewers would rather keep him.

LHP Arthur Rhodes
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The 36-year-old left-hander has encountered some trouble as the Phillies' eighth-inning man. One year after going 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA with Cleveland, Rhodes is 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in his first season in Philadelphia. Rhodes has allowed nearly two baserunners per inning. He is three teams and 2 1/2 years into a three-year deal signed with Oakland, and he is making $3.7 million this year.

3B Aaron Boone
Contract status: Signed through 2006 with mutual option for '07
With some guy named Andy Marte waiting in the wings at Triple-A, Boone can't be viewed as a vital part of this team's future at third base. Boone's bat has lacked consistency but is still an improvement over last season.

OF Phil Nevin
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Nevin was acquired May 31 from Texas, and his spirits and average definitely improved when he got back in the National League. Trouble is, he may be best suited as a DH. A right-handed hitter with some power, Nevin has handled first base and left field well.

3B David Bell
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Bell is in his fourth year with the Phillies -- a stint that saw him reach a career-high .291 batting average in 2004. But Bell, who will be 34 in September has been affected by back troubles the last two seasons and has seen his production drop off. As of June 28, Bell was hitting .249 and his 12 errors were seventh most in the Majors. The third baseman is in the final year of a contract that has him making $4.5 million per year. The challenge will be finding a taker.

RHP Tim Hudson
Contract status: Signed through 2009 with $12 million mutual option for 2010
Hudson is still a bargain with a $6 million salary next year. But his inconsistencies bring up the question of if he's worth the money he'll get from his heavily back-loaded contract.

C Mike Lieberthal
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Lieberthal has suffered from injuries to both knees and a hip strain that have kept him out of the lineup for a significant portion of 2006. The 34-year-old catcher has chronic soreness in his right knee and went on the DL after being hit on the left knee with a pitch in early May. He hasn't played since straining his hip during a June 5 game in Arizona. The two-time All-Star is in his option season of a contract that pays him $7.5 million this year.

RHP Ryan Franklin
Contract status: Signed through 2006
After starting for three years for Seattle, the Phillies transformed the right-hander into a reluctant reliever, and he hasn't been comfortable in the role. The transition has been OK, with the exception of the long ball. While his 4.10 ERA is a point lower than his mark in 2005 with Seattle, Franklin -- who has always been prone to giving up home runs -- has allowed a bullpen-high nine in his 41 2/3 innings. Franklin is making $2.6 million in 2006.

RHP Jeff Suppan
Contract status: Signed through 2006.
The first choice would not be to deal from the Major League roster, but with every strong start by Anthony Reyes, it becomes more feasible for St. Louis to part with a starter in order to add a bat.

IF Marlon Anderson
Contract status: Signed through 2007
Continues to prove that he is a valuable player off the bench, but his skills are best suited for a team that is looking to win now. May go to a National League team, who needs to improve their bench.

RHP Tony Armas Jr.
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Must show that he can stay healthy past the All-Star break. If not, he will stay with the Nationals and then file for free agency. He was the Nationals' best starter for most the first half until a forearm injury sidelined him for a couple of starts.

SS Royce Clayton
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Don't hit him eighth or else his attitude and his batting average will go down the drain. But put him near the top of the lineup, however, Clayton will have quality at-bats. In fact, he is hitting over 280 when hitting second or third.

RHP Guillermo Mota
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The Indians haven't received much value from Mota, acquired in the January Coco Crisp trade, but if a contender is willing to take a chance on the former setup man, the Tribe might be willing to listen.

RHP Jason Marquis
Contract status: Signed through 2006.
Marquis' inconsistency is baffling, but his arm still has value. With four of the Cards' starters eligible for free agency after the year, and two young right-handers looking ready to step in, it wouldn't be shocking to see a starter-for-hitter deal.

RHP Brian Moehler
Contract status: Signed through 2006
A likely candidate to be moved. The veteran is making $1.50 million. He's pitched much better for more than a month, but currently is on the disabled list with a sore right big toe. That has bothered him for more than a month, but he has pitched effectively through pain. Expected to be healthy before July 31, Moehler could be a prime candidate to go to a serious contender looking for another starter who also can pitch out of the bullpen. With so many young arms in the Marlins' system, moving Moehler would create a rotation spot.

2B Ronnie Belliard
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The Indians have never shown much interest in signing Belliard long-term, and his asking price in the offseason might be out of the club's range. The problem with trading Belliard, though, is the club doesn't have any legit everyday options for second base in-house. Utilityman Joe Inglett is unproven.

LHP Jamie Moyer
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Moyer's name has long been brought up in trade discussion, especially among those teams who are looking for a veteran arm to help them make a postseason push. The big problem is that, as a 10-and-5 player, Moyer reserves the rights to veto any trade. That's what he did last season, when the Astros and Braves showed interest.

2B Jose Vidro
Contract status: Signed through 2008
It will be interesting to see if someone will to take on his bad right knee. While he can still hit, Vidro has been allergic to RBIs this season. A few weeks ago, only the Mets had interest in him.

RHP Kip Wells
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Wells returned to the mound in late June, two months after undergoing surgery to repair a blood clot. When healthy, Wells has the physical tools to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter.

OF Jason Lane
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Lane was handed the starting right field job out of Spring Training, but it took less than two months for him to lose it. Lane has been touted as having 40-homer potential, but he has yet to show that he can be an effective every day player at this level, and with the acquisition of Aubrey Huff, Lane was sent down. If the Astros go after a big name at the deadline, Lane could be packaged in with a handful of players in a trade.

1B/OF Daryle Ward
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Proved that he could come off the bench and have quality at-bats on a regular basis. American League team could use him as a designated hitter.

OF Rondell White
Contract status: Signed through 2006 with a club option for 2007
Slowed down by tightness in his left shoulder following surgery last season, White has yet to ease into the DH role. Could fit in for a team that needs another outfielder and the potential for hits.

2B Mark Grudzielanek
Contract status: Signed through 2006, with a possible club option for 2007
Solid both defensively and offensively, Grudzielanek has yet to make an error in 2006 and has hovered around .300. Royals GM Dayton Moore has said he isn't actively shopping anyone, but there could be a few clubs inquiring about Grudzielanek. The Mets appeared to be one of them, but their interest could be dropping off with Jose Reyes' recent run at the plate.

C Jason LaRue
Contract status: Signed through 2007
LaRue has been mired in a deep slump offensively and lost his starting job to emerging acquistion David Ross. Signed by the previous regime to a two-year, $9.1 million deal in December, the club could shed his salary ($5.2 million in '07) for more flexibility.

2B Marcus Giles
Contract status: Entering final arbitration-eligible offseason
Seems to be the most likely Braves player to be moved. He's set to get a healthy raise to his $3.85 million salary and his offensive struggles make one wonder if he'll ever be the player he was in the first few years of his career. Still he has some attractive trade value.

OF Trot Nixon
Contract status: Eligible for free agency at the end of the season.
As much as the Red Sox value Nixon's fire and on-base capability, he is one chip the Red Sox have in case a front-line pitcher becomes available. The Red Sox have two solid reserve outfielders in Wily Mo Pena and Gabe Kapler, which means they could cover themselves in the event Nixon was dealt. And the fact Nixon is eligible for free agency is another reason the Red Sox might be willing to deal him if the right type of player is on the market. Nixon is a solid left-handed hitter and an underrated defender. The Red Sox will think long and hard before trading one of their cornerstone players of the last several years.

OF Craig Monroe
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Marcus Thames' success as an everyday hitter over the past month has made the arbitration-eligible Monroe expendable. They're right-handed sluggers with very similar offensive games, but Monroe has done it over a longer time frame. He's likely the one Tiger on the big-league roster who could be included in a deal for a left-handed bat.

OF Melky Cabrera
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Cabrera has done a nice job filling in for Hideki Matsui in left field this season. If the Yankees are going to deal for a veteran outfielder, the 21-year-old may be one of the young players they'd be most willing to deal.

1B Andy Phillips
Contract status: Signed through 2006 (not yet eligible for arbitration)
Phillips has proven this season that he can be a productive big-league hitter with regular playing time. It's unlikely that New York would deal him, as the Yankees like him at first base and Jason Giambi at DH, but anything is possible.

RHP Scott Proctor
Contract status: Signed through 2006 (not yet eligible for arbitration)
Proctor has been a workhorse in the Yankees' bullpen this season, and with a mid-to-high 90s fastball as well as a solid curveball and two-seamer. Proctor has struggled over the past month, but his contract status could make him attractive to another team.

RHP Salomon Torres
Contract status: Signed through 2008 (option for 2009)
Torres has been one of the most durable relievers in the game over the past three seasons. Although the Pirates are not actively looking to move him, they could be swayed to make a deal for a young power bat.

RHP Jaret Wright
Contract status: Signed through 2007
Wright has been effective recently, but he still hasn't been able to pitch deep into games. A clause in his contract allows the Yankees to buy out the final year of his deal for $4 million instead of paying him $7 million, but they could deal him instead.

LHP Damaso Marte
Contract status: Signed through 2006 (options for 2007, 2008)
Solid left-handed relievers are always at a premium and the Pirates have three of them. They might be willing to part with Marte, the most experienced and expensive ($2.25 mil) member of their southpaw bullpen trio.

OF Shannon Stewart
Contract status: Signed through 2006
During Stewart's time on the DL, Jason Kubel emerged for the Twins in left. Stewart is a valuable outfielder who won't fit into the Twins budget for 2007 and could be coveted by a variety of teams due to his leadoff nature as well.

OF Brian Anderson
Contract status: Signed through 2006, $330,000
The White Sox seem more than satisfied to be patient with Anderson, the team's top pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, with his stellar defense balancing out his offensive struggles. If general manager Ken Williams decides to pull the trigger on a center-field upgrade, though, a young talent such as Anderson probably would be a top request of another team.

RHP Matt Herges
Contract status: Signed through 2006
After a slow start, Herges has become an effective reliever. Earning $600,000 this season, the 36-year-old is a solid clubhouse presence and a reliever with a track record. Can eat up innings, and he could be a likely candidate to be moved if the Marlins want to give more seasoning to young relievers. Has the experience of closing, being used in setup and can work long relief.

1B Jeff Conine
Contract status: Signed through 2006, option for 2007
Conine has a contractual clause that will vest his option for 2007 if he gets 450 plate appearances, and he's already nearly halfway to that total. The Orioles signed him to act as a veteran presence and to split time between first base, left field and designated hitter. Conine can still do all of that, but his bat is regressing from minute-to-minute.

1B/DH Kevin Millar
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Mill, chemistry player extraordinaire, may be nearing the end of his rope as a regular player. The veteran is still patient at the plate but is starting to lose his ability to hit for average and power. Millar would be a good pickup for a team on the verge of the playoffs and with a need for a pinch-hitter. Baltimore doesn't fit that description.

3B/OF Eric Hinske
Contract status: Signed through 2007
Toronto will probably look to shop Hinske, who has essentially become a pinch-hitter for the Jays. After he won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2002, Toronto inked Hinske to a deal through next season. He's scheduled to make more than $5 million in '07, but his performance has dropped off over the last few seasons. Toronto would most likely have to pick up some of Hinske's contract in order to move him in a trade.

OF Carl Everett
Contract status: Signed through 2006, with a club option for 2007
Everett, who is playing for his eighth team, could well end up playing elsewhere by the end of the trading deadline, especially if a team is looking for a left-handed bat with some power. Everett has changed homes during the season several times in his career.

3B Vinny Castilla
Contract status:Signed through 2006
Castilla has been solid defensively while providing leadership in the clubhouse, but he could be moved in a package for a younger offensive threat at third base.

SS Mike Morse
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The Mariners like Morse -- they just don't know where to play him. He's a converted shortstop who can play first base, third base and the outfield in a pinch. Could develop into a regular somewhere else.

C Mike Piazza
Contract status:Club and player option for 2007
Piazza has delivered cleanup power and has been instrumental in guiding the pitching staff, but the emergences of Josh Bard and Rob Bowen as quality receivers could make the future Hall of Famer available to a club in search of a loud bat, perhaps Oakland, Anaheim or the Yankees.

RHP Scott Cassidy
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Cassidy has been highly productive in middle relief, but that's an area of depth on the club, and he could be involved in a deal for a productive hitter.

RHP Brian Sikorski
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Sikorski has pitched capably in limited opportunities and could have appeal for a club looking to bolster its middle relief. The Padres are well-stocked with right-handed middle relievers, and if Doug Brocail joins the staff, it could make one or two expendable.

LHP Ray King
Contract status: Making $2.5 million in 2006, the end of a two-year deal, and has a $2.85 million club option for 2007.
King was brought to the Rockies to give the 'pen experience, but his recent struggles and the fact the team might reduce the bullpen by one to add a position player could make him a chip to obtain something else.

1B Ryan Shealy
Contract status: Pre-arbitration.
As a power-hitting first base prospect with nowhere to go because of Todd Helton's presence, the Rockies hope dealing him can get them experience for a pennant race.

RHP Josh Fogg
Contract status: Signed for $850,000 for this season.
Fogg has been on-again, off-again in the Rockies' rotation. With prospects such as Ubaldo Jimenez and Miguelo Asencio at Triple-A, or with the Rockies a threat to end up with an experienced starter through deadline dealings, he could be dangled.

OF Cory Sullivan
Contract status: Pre-arbitration.
With talent all over the Rockies' system and Choo Freeman and Ryan Spilborghs cutting into his playing time, Sullivan could be as attractive to other teams searching for a fourth outfielder as he is to the Rockies as a part-time starter. Sullivan's speed and throwing arm could make him attractive.

SS/3B Cesar Izturis
Contract status: Signed through 2007 with option for 2008
He's played third base better than he expected, but he lacks the power for the position and he wants to return to his shortstop. To include him in a deal the Dodgers would need to be getting a premium player in return.

OF/3B Jeff Baker
Contract status:Last year of a four-year, $2 million deal
Injuries have derailed Baker's climb. Although other teams may like his potential for power, the Rockies are more inclined to see if he can stay healthy and help them this year or next.

RHP Odalis Perez
Contract status: Signed through 2007 with option for 2008
He's owed about $18 million, he's lost his fastball and his starting job. He's been available all year, but the huge contract and bloated ERA isn't a very attractive combination.

OF Jose Cruz Jr.
Contract status: Signed through 2006 with option for 2007
He's a useful player in the outfield with a good eye at the plate, but his power has been fleeting and his average dropping. He's struggled batting left-handed so badly that he's really not a switch-hitter right now.

OF Ricky Ledee
Contract status: Signed through 2006
He's been a professional left-handed hitter when he's not injured, but he's been injured a lot. It's not ideal to have a rookie like Andre Ethier pinch-hitting, but he's made Ledee expendable.

RHP Joaquin Benoit
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Benoit is a right-handed reliever who a number of teams were interested in back in Spring Training, including the Atlanta Braves. He has some of the best stuff on the Rangers staff and had moments of brilliance as a reliever. But he yet to earn manager Buck Showalter's trust as a front-line setup reliever.

OF Luis Gonzalez
Contract status: Signed through 2006
The D-Backs hold a $10 million option on Gonzalez for 2007, but it's unlikely they would pick it up as they try to make room for young corner outfielders like Carlos Quentin and Scott Hairston. Gonzalez has a no-trade clause and it's unclear whether he would approve a deal.

RHP Heath Bell
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Only because he is the 25th man/12th pitcher on the team is he included here. Willie Randolph has given greater responsibility of late, but he remains the relieve more likely to pitch with a large deficit or larger lead. If the Mets have a chance to import a better reliever and the other club would accept Bell, the deal would happen.

SS Craig Counsell
Contract status: Signed through 2006
Counsell could be dealt if the D-Backs want to make room for top prospect shortstop Stephen Drew. Counsell has played short this season, but also can play third and second and has performed well in the postseason before.

2B Ray Durham
Contract status: Signed through 2006.
Produdes sporadically, but variety of injuries has meant much shuffling of players to fill second base role. With rookie Kevin Frandsen in the wings, it's time to cut losses and look to the future.

RHP Tim Worrell
Contract status: Signed through 2007.
The right-handed reliever is 38, but he's had a rough year, allowing too many late-inning homers and dealing with a pinched nerve in his neck. He's not the same pitcher who saved 38 games with the Giants in 2003. Way past his prime.

RHP Jeremy Accardo
Contract status: Signed through 2006.
Promising reliever has excelled in late innings and shows good closer stuff with fastball and nice splitter. Great arm with composure. Giants are loaded with young hurlers, and Accardo at 24 will be a much-pursued gem.

RHP Brad Hennessey
Contract status: Signed through 2006.
Stuck in no-man's land as a right-handed long reliever, Hennessey has shown the ability to start and or go two or three innings out of the bullpen. Likely a long-term rotation pitcher, he's a keeper, yet his proven ability is attractive to suitors.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Re: Who Do We Have The Best Shot At?

I thought the second part of Clayton's piece was interesting: "In fact, he is hitting over 280 when hitting second or third."

What kind of crazy circus do you have to be running to bat Clayton third?

Sounds like a Narron lineup to me.

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